History of FellowshipECO Distinctive Elements in ECO Current Focus in ECO QampA This Stream of Evangelicals Always wanted to differentiate WITHIN for the sake of mission 17 th Synod Nongeographic presbyteries ID: 372075
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Slide1Slide2
What we want to cover
History of Fellowship/ECO
Distinctive Elements in ECO
Current Focus in ECO
Q&ASlide3
This Stream of Evangelicals
Always wanted to differentiate WITHIN for the sake of mission
17
th
Synod
Non-geographic presbyteries
Protection for churches and presbyteries to hold to evangelical positions for leadersSlide4
History of ECO/Fellowship
White Paper February 2011
Before It even looked like 10-A would pass
They no longer believed that the answer was to reform the denomination by outvoting it
Stronger covenantal relationships within the PC(USA) and for those who must to move outside of it. Slide5
Minneapolis 2012
Multiple options proposed
Stay PC(USA)
Union Congregation
Union Presbytery
Full Departure to NRBSlide6
Options in times of disagreement
Actively concur
Passively Submit
Peaceably WithdrawSlide7
Ethos we want to create
Covenantal
We are not mad
Missional structure
Connect where we canSlide8
Colossians 1:28-29
“It is he whom we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone in all wisdom, so
that we may present everyone mature in Christ.
For this I toil and struggle with all the energy
that
he powerfully inspires within me.” Slide9
View Fellowship as an
Association of Like Minded Presbyterians
Fellowship
PC (USA)
ECO
Other Presbyterian
Reformed DenominationsSlide10
ECO and
PC(USA) are
different denominations
ECO
PC (USA)
Fellowship of
PresbyteriansSlide11
Mission:
To build flourishing churches that make disciples of Jesus Christ.Slide12
VISION
Baptize more than we bury by 2018Slide13
Realities and Projections
Currently: 55 Churches
Dec 2013 – 120Churches
Dec 2014 – 250 Churches
Dec 2015 – 400-500 ChurchesSlide14
Distinctive
Elements of ECOSlide15
Distinctive #1
High Trust/Low Control
In order to have high trust and low control there must be:
A
greement on core essential theology AND
A desire to think differently about the function of denominations.
2.0102 “Ordaining bodies must ensure that all officers adhere to the Essential Tenets of ECO”Slide16
Distinctive #2
Micro-Expressions
We often say church isn’t just what occurs in corporate worship service, but we often only validate corporate worship as “church”.
2.0502 “The Church exists wherever two or more are gathered in the name of Jesus. Therefore, it is appropriate to celebrate sacraments in these smaller units.”Slide17
Distinctive #3
Commission of Elders and Deacons for Greater Service
In ECO elders and deacons, when properly trained can be authorized to do the following:
They can administer sacraments in micro expressions of church (2.0502) (Under the authority of the session and a pastor.)
They can be a commissioned lay pastor of a church or a new church development (2.0503) (Under the authority of the Presbytery)Slide18
Distinctive #4
Accountability & Encouragement
Pastors and congregations need deeper relationships that can foster support and accountability. This happens within Presbytery, but also:
Pastor Covenant Groups – 2.0402
The Mission Affinity Network for congregations – 1.0104Slide19
Distinctive #5
Property Not Held in Trust
Holding property in trust burdens the congregation and the presbytery.Slide20
Distinctive #6
Less Money and Time on Denominational Structure
1% of annual budget is given to support ECO at local and national level. This is usually less than people pay in per-capita. We do ask congregations to consider mission gifts or special offerings to support the work of ECO.
Even though ECO is new, the goal or time spent on structure is as much time as needed and no more than necessary.Slide21
Distinctive #7
More Time on Training
National meetings have limited business and more time getting the top quality information and training, we want to encourage this at the presbytery and affinity network level as well.Slide22
Current Focus in ECO DevelopmentSlide23
Current Focus
in ECO Development
#1
Church Planting
In order to facilitate a church planting movement we are creating:
Regional Networks
Church Planter Assessment Center
On-going training and coachingSlide24
#2 Leadership
Development
Increasing the leadership capacity (knowledge, skills, and character) of current and emerging leaders (pastors, elders, deacons, and others).
Current Focus
in ECO Development Slide25
#3
Developing Support Structure
Emerging Presbyteries
Call system
Policies and procedures
Current Focus
in ECO Development Slide26
#4 Developing
the Covenant Order
Helping pastors and churches live into covenant groups and Mission Affinity Work.
Shift focus away from “winning the vote”
How do we both organize, facilitate and share best practices in ministry
Current Focus
in ECO Development Slide27
#5 Working on the Theology
Project
Greater work needs to be done in areas of theology.
What is the nature of our confessional heritage? Which confessions do we want to call core?
How can we flesh out our understanding of missional ecclesiology. (Meaning our theology of church, leadership, and function.)
Current Focus
in ECO Development Slide28
Q & A